that "pi-r-squared attenuation actually only applies to radial transmissions. a beam transmitted from a directional antenna can extend the distance immensely. Another factor in the range is the frequency of the signal. Higher hz drops off first. This is contact signals always are aimed at a particular star (last one i am aware of targeting is Bernard's Star, approx, 19 lightyears away, if memory serves) and have small data content, as lower frequencies by necessity hold less data.

I really don't see the necessity of transmitting to a distant galaxy since there are billions of stars in ours.

Finally, i take umbrage at country folk being of a lower gene category than city folk. Guess where the higher crime rate is? And don't give me "there's more people" crap. The rate is based on a per-capita basis.